Medical evacuation flight from Ranchi to Delhi crashes near Simaria; aviation probe and weather analysis underway
Ranchi: In a tragic air accident on Monday evening, an air ambulance crash in Jharkhand’s Chatra district resulted in the deaths of all seven people on board when the aircraft plunged into a densely forested area near Simaria while flying from Ranchi to Delhi for a medical evacuation.
The aircraft, a Beechcraft C90 air ambulance, lost radar contact with air traffic control approximately 20 minutes after take-off from Ranchi Airport and went down shortly thereafter.
Sub-divisional Police Officer Shubham Khandelwal confirmed that the deceased included the flight crew, medical staff and passengers. The victims were identified as Captain Vivek Vikas Bhagat, Captain Savrajdeep Singh, Sanjay Kumar, Dr Vikas Kumar Gupta, Sachin Kumar Mishra, Archana Devi and Dhuru Kumar, bringing the rescue operation to a sombre close
The flight was carrying a critically injured burn victim, along with medical personnel and crew, when the tragedy occurred. The patient was being transported from a hospital in Ranchi to a specialised treatment facility in Delhi.
Preliminary reports and local accounts suggest adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain and strong winds, at the time of the crash. Investigators are considering weather as a possible factor, although a conclusive cause will be determined after a detailed inquiry.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have launched a comprehensive probe into the circumstances leading up to the accident. Aviation officials are analysing flight data, weather information and aircraft maintenance records to arrive at definitive findings.
The tragic incident has drawn widespread grief and concern, with families, local communities and authorities mourning the loss of the victims. Officials have assured that the investigation will be thorough and that safety recommendations will be prioritised to help prevent similar accidents in the future.
Also Read: Cachar Police Seize Large Consignment of Illicit Liquor in Silchar
